HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-07-LHRC-min
Town of Lexington
Lexington Human Rights Committee
Sean D. Osborne, Chair humanrightscmte@lexingtonma.gov
Bhumip Khasnabish, Vice Chair
Fuang-Ying Huang, Clerk
Minutes for April 7, 2017 Meeting
Present:
Members: Mary Anton, Lieutenant Jim Barry, Bonnie Brodner, Fuang-Ying Huang, Sean
Osborne, Jeffrey Toronto, Al Zabin
Liaisons and Town Department Representatives: Pastor Brent Maracle, Charlotte Rogers,
Aidan Evelyn, Stanley Yap, Mary Anton, Kathleen Lenihan, Doug Lucente.
Guests: Mabel Amar, Stephanie Hsu, Victoria Buckley, Shaun Grady, Alicke Grobler, Valerie
Overton, Mona Roy, Lisa O’Brien, April Daciuk
Ms. Buckley from Lexington Commission on Disability spoke to the committee on their mission to
redo the sidewalks in Lexington Center to accommodate people with disabilities. Mr. Grady, who had
brain surgery testified that the brick sidewalk is hazardous for people with impaired depth and color
perception, poor vision as well as difficult for wheelchairs to maneuver on. LCD had recommended
concrete sidewalk with brick boarder which is ADA compliant. LCD is seeking LHRC’s support in the
change. Bonnie Brodner and Sean Osborne will draft a letter referencing Article 42 to Town Meeting,
DPW Town Manager and BOS in support of LCD. LHRC will vote on the letter next meeting.
It was brought to the attention of LHRC that there is a disparity on suspension rates for black student
and special needs students in Lexington Public Schools. LHRC voted to work with LCD that Sean
Osborne and Ms. Buckley to present to school committee to bring the awareness of the subject and to
combat the institutional racism.
LHRC voted to partner with LICA on the production of refugees’ stories. LexRap and Monroe
Saturday Nights are also part of the project.
Departments Updates:
Schools – no report
Cary Memorial Library – no report
Human Services Report – developing new programs that focus on self-esteem and girls.
LICA – Members received mails that were on the line between hate mail and freedom of speech.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
Subcommittee Updates
Community Conversation on Racial Justice
80 people attended the Stand for Racial Justice and Against Racism conversation on March 30
at Grace Chapel.
A series of three community conversations on race is scheduled for fiscal year 2018. Lexington
Public Schools has been asked to host the community conversation on race in the fall of 2017.
Estabrook Elementary School may be the best space and accessibility.
Anti-Bias and Racial Justice Training
Active Bystander training on April 8 at Christ Revolution Church.
Looking for volunteers who are experienced or interested in Marketing, PR, grant writing, and
fund raising.
Other Business
Need to update the link to meeting minutes on LHRC’s webpage.
In order for a subject to be voted on, it needs to be on meeting agenda.
LGBT community would like to have more conversations with various groups on supporting
and helping the groups.
LHRC will once again share booth with Lexington Human Service and Lexington Police Dept
on Lexploration Day exhibit. Needs more flyers.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM
Next Meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 5th at 8:00 a.m.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420